Maggie was 8 weeks old when she became part of our family. She always behaved like a puppy: energetic, bouncy, and loving. She was feisty and didn’t take no for an answer. Her nickname was “Red Rocket” because she loved fetch and ran so fast she was almost a blur. Her other nicknames were “Maggie Mae”, “Magpie”, and “Mags”.

Maggie begrudgingly accepted her “brother”, Hunter, when we brought him home. She behaved very much like a little sister, pestering, chasing, and barking to get him to play and wrestle. He was a perfect older brother, pushing her but not going over the top, and always protective.

We lost Hunter 2.5 years ago at the age of 7 and Maggie became even more of a suck. She loved to curl up under the blankets, enjoyed creeks and swimming, and ran to the kitchen whenever she heard a plastic bag crinkling (usually for some cheese). Maggie was afraid of getting her nails trimmed and the sound of the vacuum. Both would send her running from the room immediately.

A year ago, Maggie had surgery to remove a lump on her ear. Unfortunately, it came back with a vengeance and in the spring she had her ear flap removed completely. It was a difficult surgery but once she recovered, our bouncy, happy Mags was back. It bought her quality of life for a time. Then the cancer spread and we were forced to make a tough decision.

Maggie, you’ll always be my first baby (fur baby that is) and you were such a sweet girl. You were there when times weren’t so great and I was experiencing miscarriages. You were there when the girls came home and you were so gentle with them. You came on walks with us at the dog park when they were 2.5 weeks old. You loved the girls even when they didn’t appreciate your fast, furious kisses. You lived in 6 houses and made them all home. It won’t be the same without you, but we will never forget. Give Hunter a kiss for us all and we will see you on the flip side.